State fines former lobbyist, son

The North Carolina Secretary of State's Office has levied a $111,000 fine against Don Beason, once a high-profile lobbyist, over allegedly illegal lobbying activities three years ago.

The state also fined Beason's son, Mark, $6,000 in the case. The Beasons have filed an appeal of the fines, which were handed down last month, in the Office of Administrative Hearings, and the case is scheduled to be heard on Aug. 30.

The Secretary of State's Office alleged that the Beasons lobbied state lawmakers on behalf of unregistered companies.

Don Beason gave up his lobbying practice in August 2007 after investigators linked him to a $500,000 loan to former House Speaker Jim Black. The loan, which was routed through Black's campaign account, came to light as Black was sentenced on state corruption charges stemming from illegal cash payments he received from chiropractors.

Beason also was convicted in October 2007 of simple assault stemming from a traffic confrontation in which he brandished a gun.